Chapter 6: A Search
POV – TRIXIE
Deep in the heart of the dense marshland, tendrils of midday light peeked through the canopy above. Trixie glided cautiously among the foggy lower branches, her wings holding steady against the damp, heavy air. The rich, earthy smells of wet leaves and marshy musk filled her nose, making her wrinkle it a little. This place is so… squishy, she thought, her bright eyes darting around the faded landscape, searching with a glimmer of hope.
The fog, like a tricky veil, made everything look blurry and confusing, hiding both the dangers and the path ahead. But inside her, one thing stayed clear and bright – her determination to find Jake, her partner.
Trixie buzzed from branch to branch, her arms starting to feel a bit tired. The fog had turned her usually joyful flights into something more like hard work. Flying just isn’t the same without Jake, she thought, a little bit of weariness sneaking into her usually cheerful mind. Things are harder, but I’m not giving up! she mentally reassured herself, her spirit still bubbly and strong.
Sticking close to the lower branches, Trixie remembered Jake’s advice to stay cautious. Her determined gaze scanned the marsh below, searching through the mist for any sign of Jake. Come on, Jake, where are you? she thought, her heart full of hope.
Down below, her reluctant ally, the young Venipede, trudged dutifully through the damp earth, pausing now and then to press his small, segmented body against the ground, trying to pick up vibrations. But the soft, squishy marshland wasn’t making it easy, muffling any signs he hoped to detect.
Trixie, her voice tinged with worry but still brimming with optimism, emoled softly, "Jake's out there, Veni, we can’t just give up. He’s depending on us."
“Speak for yourself. This isn’t some adventure. And frankly, I need to report back to my hive. I’ve had enough for one day,” Venipede replied, sounding more than a little grumpy.
Undeterred, Trixie pressed on. "Come on, Veni, you said you’d help out!"
Venipede replied in his usual flat tone, “Firstly, it’s Venipede, not ‘Veni.’ Secondly, Jake is your human, not mine. We’re dealing with a serious situation here. I’ve just had a close encounter with real danger in these woods. And isn’t it true you had a battle with my mom? Why should I keep helping you?”
“Jake seemed to be getting on fine with your mum until you came along,” Trixie observed, fluttering near Venipede, her voice full of curiosity.
“That wasn’t my choice. I got dropped into it by that Pikachu,” Venipede grumbled, clearly not thrilled about the whole situation.
Trixie's eyes sparkled with excitement as she glided even closer. “Oh? That Pikachu? What happened? Where did it go? Tell me everything!” she urged, practically bouncing with eagerness.
Venipede let out yet another long, weary sigh. “Okay, okay, I’ll explain,” he said, giving in to her relentless curiosity. “I was just there, minding my own business when suddenly...”
“You got ambushed? Wow, how did that happen? Sounds super exciting!” Trixie interjected, barely able to contain herself.
“Not exciting. A nightmare. And would you let me finish? Seriously, how does your human get a word in edgewise around you?”
Trixie quieted down, though her bright eyes were still wide with interest. Venipede took the chance to continue, pressing his body against the earth as he spoke with grand conviction. “Alright, pay attention. I was deeply engrossed in vital training. You see, perfecting my Defence Curl is absolutely critical for my evolution, and the hive,” he explained, his tone dripping with importance. “Picture me, perfectly curled up, a future Whirlipede in the making.”
“Ooh!” Trixie emoled, clapping her paws in delight. The image of a lone Venipede, just sitting there curled up into a cute, spiky ball, sparked a giggle from her.
Trying to ignore her giggles, Venipede pressed on, pride swelling in his voice. “There I was, unbreakable. But then suddenly, I’m being tossed around! A plaything in an instant. I was just about to react when... well, I was caught slightly off guard.”
Trixie’s eyes sparkled even more. “Were you taking a nap? Napping on Jake’s shoulder is the best! But I didn’t know it was part of special training!”
Venipede, slightly irritated, clarified, “It wasn’t a nap, Trixie. It’s a strategic position for evolution, not sleep.”
“But you were all curled up! That’s how I sleep sometimes. It’s super cozy!” Trixie exclaimed, tilting her head, not seeing the difference.
Venipede sighed deeply, feeling the weight of their miscommunication. “It’s more than just being cozy. It’s about being prepared, being ready to evolve into something stronger. I’m on the path to becoming a Scolipede, not just lounging around.”
“Wait a sec, you said a Pikachu attacked you? But Pikachu are the friendliest! They don’t have scary claws or anything. I used to play tag with a bunch of them near my den!” Trixie exclaimed, bubbling with enthusiasm and a hint of nostalgia.
Venipede’s voice turned serious, a stark contrast to Trixie’s excitement. “It wasn’t just any Pikachu, Trixie. This one was different, crazy even. I only caught glimpses of it, but its eyes… they were weird, like they stared right into your soul.”
“Maybe it just wanted to play a staring contest with you! Pikachu love to play pika boo, you know!” Trixie suggested, her mind already imagining the game.
Venipede, clearly exasperated, tried to get through to her. “No, Trixie, it was not a game. It was menacing, not playful. This creature... it wanted to hurt me... it did hurt me. Nothing like the Pikachu you’re talking about.”
Trixie giggled, soaring back up to the low branches. “A Pikachu, really? Oh, I hope Jake meets one too! He would have a lot of fun! But we should find him soon, I want to play too!”
“These woods are full of dangers. We need to stay alert,” Venipede warned, his tone as serious as ever.
“You should learn to have a bit of fun, you know!” Trixie retorted playfully, spiralling upward in the air. As she ascended, the clearing mist below revealed the world anew, sparking hope in her curious gaze.
“For the record, Scolipede do not have ‘fun,’ it’s about discipline,” Venipede stated firmly.
Trixie, enthusiasm undimmed, chirped back, “Danger or not, our main job is finding Jake! Look, the fog is lifting. Let’s get moving, Veni!”
Under his breath, Venipede grumbled in resignation, his voice barely audible as he trailed after her, “It’s Venipede, not Veni…”
With the dense fog receding, they trundled on. Trixie’s eyes widened as the once-hidden wetland forest appeared before her, split by a winding river that lazily wove its way through the trees. This is the river Jake, and I were following toward the human den, she thought, excitement bubbling up inside her. We must be getting closer!
Further along, where the river curved, Trixie noticed the trees thinning out, giving way to a more expansive open field. Here, the river stretched wider, its banks guarded by tall grasses that swayed in a gentle rhythm.
Life had returned to the marsh; Chewtle and Drednaw basked on marshy islands, while Corphish and Wooper rested on the sunlit riverbanks. In the distance, Trixie caught sight of what could only be Bouffalant – creatures she’d only heard about in stories. Their large ringed horns were the only visible signs, poking out from the tall grass. Wow, I’ve never been this far from my den before! Jake would’ve loved this, she thought, feeling a pang of wistful longing for her partner.
Trixie glanced around, a little concern creeping in. "Veni, where do you think we are? The scents and sounds are all different here, and I’m pretty sure we’re quite far from where we started."
Venipede, his antennae twitching, pointed with one of his many legs. “I recognise this area. Do you see that tall, twisted willow by the riverbank? It’s a landmark near to my family’s hive. We’re not far.”
Trixie’s ears perked up, and she tilted her head with wide-eyed excitement. “A hive? Like with lots of other Venipede? That sounds amazing! I can’t wait to see it!”
Venipede, his voice steady but brimming with pride, responded, “Intimidating? Precisely. We embody discipline. We epitomise strength. One day, we’ll reign supreme in the bug world.” He puffed up, the grandeur returning to his voice. “Our hive? It’s the most formidable around here. And that Pikachu? I bet my mama and siblings are scouring the woods for me. They must have realised my indispensable role by now. Just imagine their faces when I recount my experience.”
“Yes, yes, but what about Jake? We can’t just go to a bug family reunion! We need to find him!” Trixie interrupted; her focus still laser-sharp on her mission.
Venipede paused, waiting for the rustling leaves overhead to quiet down. “Consider this, Trixie: Our hive knows much of these woods. They might have seen something, heard something.”
Trixie flicked her tail thoughtfully, her mind racing. Hmm, he might be right... She finally nodded; her eyes bright. “I guess it makes sense... But we’re in and out, got it? We find out what they know and zip back to find Jake! No bug buffets, though that sounds kind of tasty, or meet-and-greets.”
“Agreed. No detours. And for the last time, it’s Venipede, not Veni,” Venipede corrected.
“Sure thing, Veni!” Trixie giggled, her mischievous grin widening.
Trixie trailed behind Venipede as they made their way toward his hive, skimming just above the damp ground. She noticed the soft squelching sounds that accompanied Venipede’s steady steps as they moved forward. The air around them was thick with the earthy scents of wet soil and decaying leaves. Up ahead, a massive fallen tree loomed into view, its moss-covered bark and enormous size hinting at the giant it once was.
“This is it,” Venipede announced, his voice brimming with pride. “Our fortress. Our hive is beneath that log.”
Trixie’s eyes widened as she spotted the large log, half-submerged in the soft soil. An odd choice for a home… but kinda cool! she thought, her curiosity piqued. As they got closer, she noticed a hidden entrance at one end. How does Mama Scolipede even fit through there? she wondered, her mind buzzing with the image of the huge Pokémon squeezing through the tiny opening.
As they reached the entrance, Venipede led the way down a gently sloping tunnel. The air inside was cool and damp, a refreshing change from the muggy marshland above. The tunnel walls were reinforced with layers of soil and plant matter, making it feel snug and safe.
Inside the hive, a quiet buzz of activity filled the spacious chamber. Numerous Venipede, curled into small spiky balls, rolled swiftly across the floor, zipping around with surprising speed. They communicated through clicks, even while rolling, coordinating their efforts to keep the hive in tip-top shape. Along the walls, Whirlipede stood like silent sentinels, motionless but ready to whirl into action at the first sign of trouble.
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Trixie buzzed with curiosity at the sight, her excitement bubbling over as she zipped around, taking in every detail. Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this! The hive was a maze of tunnels and chambers, each one with its own special purpose. Some were lined with a soft, fungus-like material—probably for napping, Trixie guessed. Others had piles of leaves and twigs that looked like cozy little food stores.
The absence of the Scolipede was noticeable. “Mama must still be out searching for me,” Venipede explained, his tone full of respect. “She’s the protector of our hive.”
Trixie’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she nudged a young Venipede with her nose, watching it roll around before coming to a stop. “Do you all roll around like this? It’s like a game of bowling!” she chirped, her round ears twitching with amusement.
Venipede sighed, trying to maintain his serious composure. “This isn’t a game, Trixie. It’s efficient locomotion. And they’re in training, not playing.”
“But they’re so cute!” Trixie exclaimed, gently nudging the Venipede balls again, completely fascinated by their movement.
Venipede sighed again, a bit more deeply this time. “Cute is irrelevant. They are future defenders, honing skills crucial for the hive’s safety. Please refrain from poking them. More importantly, we must focus on the Pikachu matter. Its unpredictability poses a threat to the hive’s security.”
Trixie tilted her head, thinking quickly. “So, who should we talk to about Jake and this mysterious Pikachu? There must be someone here who knows something, right?”
Venipede nodded, as much as a centipede could. “We should speak with the second in command, my older sister. She oversees the hive’s activities and gathers information from the scouts. If anyone knows about this Pikachu, it will be her.”
Venipede led Trixie through the hive’s winding passageways, each turn revealing more of the intricate tunnel network. They moved along what seemed to be the main channel, where Venipede of all sizes zipped back and forth, their movements swift and purposeful, creating a constant hum of motion. Trixie watched in awe, fascinated by the orchestrated chaos as they rolled through the bustling corridor. This place is like a living, rolling maze!
The tunnel soon widened into a large chamber that looked like the central hub of the hive. It was way more spacious than the other tunnels, with a high arched ceiling, likely to accommodate the bigger Scolipede. The walls were reinforced with thick layers of earth, making everything feel extra sturdy. Two Whirlipede stood guard at the entrance, coiled up and silent, like statues on duty.
In the centre of the chamber stood a Scolipede. She was smaller than the mama Scolipede Trixie had battled alongside Jake, but she still cut an impressive figure. Her segmented body was adorned with vibrant markings that seemed to ripple with every subtle movement. Her antennae-like horns twitched alertly, sensing their approach.
As they got closer, Trixie noticed the Scolipede’s antennae quiver, almost like a sign of relief. “You’re back, Venipede. Concern was high. Mother searches above ground,” the Scolipede stated, her tone firm but laced with a hint of worry. “Your absence stirred unrest.”
Venipede moved forward, his posture stiff with a touch of pride. “I have returned from defence training,” he announced. “Encountered erratic Pikachu. Threat to hive.”
The Scolipede’s response was calm, almost practiced. “Again, with defence training? Evolution is more than just that…”
Venipede, unwavering, interrupted, “Defence crucial. Must perfect. To evolve like Mother.”
The Scolipede let out a small sigh. “Matter discussed before. Dedication noted. Now, Pikachu?”
Venipede, his tone steady, continued, “Pikachu disrupted training. Ambushed.” He paused, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. “Surprising event. Not usual.”
“Strong Pikachu,” he added. “Used claws. Left me in bog.”
The Scolipede, now fully attentive, nodded. “Understood. Report important. Elaborate further.”
Trixie, standing to one side, watched the exchange, her eyes bouncing back and forth between Venipede and his sister, fascinated by the change in Venipede’s demeanour around his family. But soon enough, she couldn’t contain herself any longer and burst into the conversation.
“Excuse me! Excuse me!” Trixie interjected, raising her hand energetically. “But what about Jake? We need to find him! And this Pikachu, you know, the ones I’ve met are usually super friendly. Do you know anything about a Pikachu that’s not so… well, cuddly?” Her tiny paws fidgeted as she spoke.
The elder Scolipede tilted her head slightly, eyeing Trixie with curiosity and mild surprise. “And you are?” she asked in her usual direct manner, though her tone softened ever so slightly.
“I’m Trixie! Veni… I mean, Venipede, is helping me find Jake! He’s my human and best friend!” Trixie replied, bubbling with enthusiasm.
The elder Scolipede’s antennae twitched slightly, but she quickly regained her composed demeanour. “You keep intriguing company, Venipede,” she remarked. "Regarding the Pikachu: a section of the woods exists. Typically deserted. Silent during scout patrols. Reports of Pikachu sightings are infrequent. They appear atypical. No further investigation was conducted. Not assessed as a threat. Until now.
Trixie’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Ooh, where is this part of the woods? Maybe Jake and the Pikachu are there! Can we go check it out, please?” she asked, her charm turned all the way up.
The elder Scolipede twitched her antennae, about to reply, but before she could, a deep, resonant thudding sound echoed through the chamber. Every Venipede and Whirlipede in the room tensed, instantly aware of what the sound meant.
Mama was home.
POV - JAKE
As the syllables of Trixie's name hung in the air, an eerie silence echoed in the marshy woods, tension thick. Jake sensed the chilling transformation in the air, an undercurrent of malevolence, that seemed to almost physically radiate from the Mimikyu standing before him. It was unnervingly motionless. Its disguise, the crude facsimile of a Pikachu, stared at him, haunting emptiness drawn on its fake eyes.
Jake found himself deep within these secluded woods, shrouded in isolation—it was just him, an unchained prisoner, and a ghost Pokémon whose instability that was as unmistakable as the damp, clinging faded fog that was still lingering amongst gnarled trees surrounding them.
Every instinct screamed at Jake to tread carefully, to appease the volatile spirit before him without revealing his true awareness of its nature. He could almost taste the bitterness in the air, feel the prickling of his skin in response to the unsaid threats that hung between them.
Just a couple of days ago, he was back on Earth, in school, engaging in inane banter with his friends and sitting through admittedly dull classes. Now, here he was, caught in a hostage situation with a delusional Pokémon. He sighed again.
Jake, trying to maintain his own facade, spoke softly, Sorry, Pikachu, I was wrong, okay? I am happy to stay here with you."
Mimikyu stood rigidly, its drawn-on eyes fixed on Jake. After a moment of tense silence, "Kyu," Malevolence remained. It was not convinced.
Jake swallowed hard, searching for the right words. "I... I got nowhere else to go, really. It's pretty nice here, you know? Just us, hanging out." His voice was steady, but he was on edge, careful with his words.
"Yeah, just us. No one else. I’m not looking to go back... anywhere else." He continued, meticulously avoiding any mention of Trixie, knowing that even a hint of her name could provoke another volatile reaction that might leave him with no way out.
Minutes stretched on, each passing second felt like an hour to Jake. Mimikyu's gaze never wavered, its scrutiny intense and unyielding. Jake could feel the mental strain of the situation, every word he spoke weighed heavy on his mind.
Slowly, Mimikyu began to unwind, the sinister air starting to fade, though a trace of caution lingered. “M-mimi, Kyu?” it ventured, the question barely a whisper, ‘Will you really stay?’
Jake gently lowered himself to the ground, settling amidst the damp leaves to make himself as comfortable as possible. He positioned himself to be at eye level with Mimikyu, all the while cautiously avoiding any direct gaze at the holes in its disguise. "Why would I leave, right, Pikachu? This place has its own unique charm," he said, managing a small, reassuring smile, trying to convince himself to be sincere.
At his mention of ‘Pikachu,’ Mimikyu suddenly froze, it seemed to be self-conscious of something, as if it had forgotten something important.
"Mimi, kyu!" Mimikyu chirped, straining to sound cheerful but falling short. The Pokémon appeared rather embarrassed by its own performance. Jake observed, a blend of disbelief and amusement in his eyes, as it awkwardly attempted a jovial hop. 'It's trying so hard to be a Pikachu, but it's just... painfully bad at it,' he thought sympathetically, with a barely restrained nervous laugh bubbling within him.
The Mimikyu tried again, releasing another raspy, overly enthusiastic “Kyu!” This time, it added a little spin, which only made its disguise sway even more awkwardly.
Jake knew what he had to do.
"Wow, Pikachu, you sure are full of surprises! You really had me fooled there, didn’t you?" he exclaimed, infusing his tone with an exaggerated sense of wonder. Jake was struck by the absurdity of the situation. 'It’s like an exceptionally bad Punch and Judy show,' he reflected with a shake of his head.
With each strained attempt to mimic a Pikachu, the tension in the air slowly ebbed away. The sinister aura that had previously clung to Mimikyu now shifted, revealing a layer of endearing desperation that, in its own way, evoked a faint, unspoken sympathy in Jake.
As Mimikyu continued its awkward charade, Jake slowly blew out his cheeks, a wave of relief washing over him. With the immediate threat seemingly dissipating, he allowed himself a moment to relax.
The encounter had sharply brought home to Jake the difference between dealing with Pokémon as pixelated characters and meeting them in actuality. The games provided a delusion that capturing Pokémon was a simple matter: just throw a Pokéball, and they're yours. No complications, no second thoughts.
Jake knew Mimikyu well; it was among his friend Josh's favourite Pokémon. He had often debated the strengths and weaknesses of Mimikyu's battle attributes, analysing its role in various strategies. But those conversations never really touched on the Pokémon's true nature – the envy, deep-rooted insecurity. The profound loneliness.
Mimikyu held a certain allure in the games. A popular choice for battlers, with a unique Disguise ability, very useful as it shielded them from the first move. Dual ghost and fairy typing also gave them a rare upper hand against dragon-types. However, the game never considered the complexities of personality. The game never took their actual Pokedex entries into account.
Jake could not just walk away from this. Attempting to flee was not an option – Mimikyu simply wouldn't permit it. Yet another harsh truth, another realisation of the implications of living with real Pokémon. Humans occupied a precarious position, and alone, they were at the mercy of Pokémon and their whims.
He pondered on the delicate balance that must exist between humans and these powerful creatures. Back home, humans were the undisputed masters of their environment, but here, in a world with Pokémon, that dynamic was drastically different. Without the companionship and alliance of Pokémon, humans were vulnerable.
Jake watched Mimikyu intently as it awkwardly shuffled from side to side, its movements hesitant and uneven. It looked up at him shyly, emitting a soft, uncertain “K-kyu?” Jake could see only one real way to leave this situation—he would have to take Mimikyu with him.
Deciding to take Mimikyu would be no easy choice. Jake's ultimate aim was to return home, a quest that likely involved encountering one of the Legendary Pokémon, believed to have the power to send him back. Accomplishing this would be no small feat; he would need help, and that would require multiple Pokémon. Mimikyu had already demonstrated a level of malevolence towards at the very mention of Trixie that did not bode well for future team dynamics.
That said, Jake couldn't help but feel a profound sense of sympathy for Mimikyu. The more he observed it, the clearer it became that its actions – the insecurity, the envy, the obsessive behaviour, even the moments of hate – were all manifestations of something deeper. Of loneliness, a curse that seemed to be woven into the very fabric of Mimikyu's existence.
He realised that beneath its imitation, beneath the malicious outbursts, was a creature yearning for acceptance and companionship. Mimikyu's struggles resonated with Jake, striking a chord of empathy within him. This wasn’t just a Pokémon acting out; it was a being grappling with emotions as complex as any person’s.
Jake understood that breaking through to Mimikyu wouldn’t be simple. It would require patience, understanding, and a genuine effort to connect. He considered the delicate balance of acknowledging its disguise while reaching out to its true self. How do I get Mimikyu to trust me, to see that it’s valued for who it really is? he wondered.
Weighing his options, Jake thought carefully about his approach. Finally, with a deep breath, he made his decision. I’ll start by showing Mimikyu that it’s not alone, that it’s understood. We’ll take small steps, but we’ll take them together, he resolved internally.
POV – MIMIKYU
It watched. Eyes peering through the disguise, it saw him—the human called Jake—approach. A strange flutter stirred inside. It didn’t understand that feeling.
It tried to be what he desired. It chirped, "Pika?"—voice small and unsure. Jake smiled. Would he see? Would he know?
It saw Jake’s smile, wide and warm. It heard his words, though not all were understood. But his presence was enough.
Jake introduced a ‘game’—a sharing game. It hesitated, unsure if playing meant being known, being seen. But curiosity won. It played along. It mimicked. It shared. And it felt... something new, something warm. It puzzled over this sensation.
Jake shared stories, and it listened. It heard his laughter, his words. It didn’t grasp everything, but it felt more—a pull. This was new. This was strange. But it was something.
It risked to speak. “Kyu,” it whispered, shy. Jake smiled, not rejecting it. It liked this feeling. It was new.
Jake looked at it—really looked. It trembled, fearing he might see, might know. It braced itself. But Jake’s eyes were kind, accepting. It felt something deeper.
It shared more. It showed Jake a small trick. Jake clapped, and it felt something it had never felt before.
Jake’s gaze was soft, understanding. It spoke again, trying to respond, wanting to connect. It didn’t fully know what this was, but it wanted it.
As the sun began to set, it felt change creeping in. It was unsure. It liked Jake. It feared losing this feeling. It decided. It would stay close. It would not leave. Not EVER.
None would be permitted to interfere.
It only wanted Jake. No others.